22 January 2024 | Antonella Mosca, Melania Manco, Maria Rita Braghini, Stefano Cianfarani, Giuseppe Maggiore, Anna Alisi and Andrea Vania
This review explores the relationship between environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) in children. EDCs, including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and pesticides, can interfere with hormonal systems and contribute to metabolic disorders. The liver plays a critical role in metabolizing EDCs, and their accumulation in fatty liver tissue can exacerbate inflammation and fibrosis. Prenatal and early life exposure to EDCs may increase susceptibility to obesity and MASLD due to heightened sensitivity in developing organisms. EDCs can alter gene expression and epigenetic modifications, leading to long-term health effects. Studies show that exposure to EDCs is associated with increased liver damage, inflammation, and fibrosis in children. The review highlights the need for further research and public health strategies to mitigate EDC exposure, especially during critical developmental stages. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing environmental factors in the prevention and treatment of MASLD in children.This review explores the relationship between environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) in children. EDCs, including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and pesticides, can interfere with hormonal systems and contribute to metabolic disorders. The liver plays a critical role in metabolizing EDCs, and their accumulation in fatty liver tissue can exacerbate inflammation and fibrosis. Prenatal and early life exposure to EDCs may increase susceptibility to obesity and MASLD due to heightened sensitivity in developing organisms. EDCs can alter gene expression and epigenetic modifications, leading to long-term health effects. Studies show that exposure to EDCs is associated with increased liver damage, inflammation, and fibrosis in children. The review highlights the need for further research and public health strategies to mitigate EDC exposure, especially during critical developmental stages. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing environmental factors in the prevention and treatment of MASLD in children.